The 5 Preconditions a Renaissance Requires
It took Western Civilization 200 years to reach the pinnacle of their renaissance, we could reach ours in 30.
The past fifty years of American life is not an endless downward spiral —
it is a prelude.
~Patricia Martin
When I was in sixth grade, Harmar Elementary School’s 5th and 6th grade classes were assigned to create and produce a Renaissance Fair. We dyed fabric for clothes, prepared displays, and all history assignments and projects that spring had to be related to our renaissance theme.
We learned about The Black Plague, the prominent works of art produced during that time, and the struggles that faced the citizens and the working class. My project included a paper mache’ Shakespearian theatre with balconies and a trap door. (My father helped me make it, and it remained in the attic for years after.)
I would say the students of Harmar Elementary School learned much more about The Renaissance than the average American student that year.
It should be no surprise then that my mind returned to those lessons of The (first) Renaissance following the Covid Pandemic. It is no accident I have named the “rebirth” of Two-Lane Livin’ Magazine online The Two-Lane Renaissance.
The last time I took Mother shopping in Parkersburg, we ventured across town to Ollie’s, to get Mother a new set of bathroom scales (on sale). In the entryway with the shopping carts, there was a tall bin of books — five for five dollars. On the top of the pile was a book, “RenGen: The Renaissance Generation.” Written by Patricia Martin, it’s the first book I have taken time to read in a very long time.
Martin defines a renaissance as “a movement or period of robust creative and intellectual activity that is associated with a rebirth of civilization.” And, she believes our country is primed for a renaissance. I am so glad I’m not alone.
In her studies, Martin compared two civilizations separated by eight centuries (Europe then, America now), and focused on five catalytic preconditions that prepare a civilization for a renaissance.
Death comes first. Ouch. Rome, long ruled with utter disregard for the will of the people, burned. The economy was in shambles, and then a plague swept across the continent. Martin notes, “The chaos of war, economic degradation, large-scale death… and political corruption… triggered a process of transformation catalyzed by an equally powerful force: the human imperative to invent ways to survive.” Hmmm. Sound familiar?
The Rise of the Beautiful Mind. The creative process involves the firing of neurons in search of something—usually a solution. Martin says, “In a society presented with unprecedented problems it can no longer ignore, people begin searching for solutions.” Knowledge and information are key for inspiration and exploration of new ideas. We cannot solve the problems in our communities with old ways and old ideas.
Catalytic People. The Renaissance saw the rise of home tutors, and the empowerment of “humanism,” in which enlightenment and understanding are accessible to all, not just the elites. “Some people boldly lead the way,” says Martin, “while others are like catalytic enzymes that cultivate the flourish to come.” Knowledge is more accessible to the common man, producing collaborative exchanges and apprenticeships.
A Facilitating Medium. “It is meaningless to receive inspiration without a means to express it,” says Martin. “A renaissance must have a medium that carries the flow of ideas and information.” The Romans build a vast network of roads that connected people, and then the printing press was invented. Today, we have the internet.
A renaissance is not a revolution — it builds upon what came before. One of the defining aspects of a renaissance is the fascination with traditions of the past. We need our beliefs and our customs to ground us. The values we hold dear, whether civic or religious, provide hope in times of crisis.
Our minds have to create meaning from the facets of change. For years we have functioned in a society that used material objects to convey meaning. But we have come to a time when ideas can eclipse the importance of things. Ideas like civic freedom and duty, personal growth and expression, family time, a balance between work and life, scholarship, public art, and novelty.
So, we’re primed for a renaissance wouldn’t you say? I am so ready. But the downside? We could miss it. We could let things continue the way they’re going, trusting leaders to act in our best interests. Or, we could start finding our own solutions, exploring our own potential, seeking knowledge, expressing, and providing a rich soil of support for those who are leading in the directions we endorse.
I’d like to double our subscriptions this season. I want to provide a “facilitating medium” of art, education, accountability, and personal expression. I would like the new columnists joining us next month to feel the rewards of readership. I would like to revisit the tips and tales of two-lane livin’ from our print magazine archives. I’d like to open up our online platform to other writers, artists, and scholars.
You can help. If you haven’t signed up for our free newsletter yet, please do so. Once or twice a month, I’ll touch base. If you are interested in contributing to our eZine, email 2lanelivin@gmail.com. But right now, I just need you to spread the word. Share this post, or share the magazine using the simple buttons below.
So — what’s been happening on The Renaissance website? Have you visited twolanelivin.com this month?
New columns:
The Not-So-Great Hermit Crab Rescue - I did what I could.
The Power of the Environment - And the glorious benefits of vacation.
Tips for Effective Meditation - Gain the benefits of simple contemplation.
We Are Connected by the Spirit of Christ - What is ministry?
From our print archives:
The Great Blue Heron - Getting to know nature.
Talking Trash - Reduce, Reuse, Recycle.
Returning to West Virginia - For mountain therapy.
Interested in submitting something or writing for us?
Send an email to 2lanelivin@gmail.com.